Egyptian president-elect Mohamed Morsi has been sworn in Saturday, marking a new chapter in the history of a country that elected its first civilian president. He took the oath of office in an inauguration ceremony at the Supreme Consitituional Court (SCC).

Morsi vowed to respect the constitution. He also promised to respect the rule of law, and to protect the interestes of the Egyptian people, the country's independence and its territorial integrity.

"Today, the Egyptian people laid the foundation for real democracy," Morsi told the members of the SCC. "Egypt today is a civil, national and constitutional state."

The ceremony was broadcast live on Egypt's television.

This this the first time Egypt has a civilian and Islamist president since a group of army officers called "The Free Officers" toppled King Farouk on July 23, 1952.

Morsi was imprisoned by the deposed president Hosni Mubarak who is now serving a life sentence in prison for complicity in the killing of hundreds of anti-government protesters during last year's 18-day uprising that forced him to resign on February 11.

Morsi is expected to address the nation from Cairo University later Saturday.

Morsi, a fromer member of the Muslim Brotherhood, promised Friday before tens of thousands of supporters at Tahrir Square to form an inclusive government, reaching out to Muslims, Christians and women.